Economic Small Generator?

[emt1581]

I have a larger 5000watt generator. But I'd like to get something that'll fit in my back seat or the passenger's seat floor area.

I was looking at the HF model but I know everyone will tear into that one like a monkey on a cupcake...

Without getting rediculous and spending $500-$1000 on a honda, are there any smaller generators of the size I'm looking for that are under $300?

Thanks

-Emt1581

[SFCSMITH(RET)]

Don't know about ridiculous, But for the money ($550 or so), the Generac 2000watt inverter is getting good revues from most RVers who have tried it.

We hooked one up last weekend that someone else owned, it WOULD start the A/C on our R-Pod.

[DoctaGlockta]

I visited a local Aldi's for the first time last week. They had a 2000 watt units for $149. Almost bought one to see if the thing would actually work and run through a tank of fuel.

edit: FYI I do own a Yamaha 2000. Super quiet. Clean power. Save up unless you want a disposable genset.

[emt1581]

Don't know about ridiculous, But for the money ($550 or so), the Generac 2000watt inverter is getting good revues from most RVers who have tried it.

We hooked one up last weekend that someone else owned, it WOULD start the A/C on our R-Pod.

I saw some reviews on them that were not favorable either on Walmart or Cabelas.

-Emt1581

[Bushflyr]

Keep an eye on craigslist. The Honda or Yamaha are really the only way to go.

[emt1581]

Keep an eye on craigslist. The Honda or Yamaha are really the only way to go.

I was looking on youtube. The HF ones seem to work REALLY well but just have crappy spark plugs. Sure I've read negative reviews but they are rare.

I'll do a quick search for the Hondas. I've seen Hyundai as well....they good to go?

-Emt1581

[cowboy1964]

I really want a tri-fuel Yamaha myself but can't justify the cost. Too much other stuff to buy.

[wrenrj1]

I have a Generac 6500 Generator that's power line quality. It failed both on the electrical start on it's semi-annual start, THEN the pull cord broke on the first pull, so I appreciate this thread.

The Generac 2000kw inverter generator looks almost exactly like the Kipor (chinese)generator we bought for work that has been replaced once under warranty.

IMHO, buy based on dependability, not economics. Yes, Honda's and Yamaha's are more expensive, but if you want something that works, plan and buy the best, or at lest better. Save up.

Wren

[JK-linux]

.....

[AK_Stick]

There's a reason cheap generators are cheap, and comparable model Hondas aren't.


Save your money, buy once, get a life times worth of use out of one.


Or buy cheap, and risk frying stuff.

[F_G]

I have an EU2000i Honda that has been 100% for the last 10 years. Was it $300? No, it was closer to a $1000, but I like the buy once, cry once concept.

Plus these things are QUIET, which is very important to me. The cheaper knock-offs I've heard do not compare.

[wjv]

Champion makes a good cheap generator, but the output is not recommended for electronics.

Started my Yamaha 2000i and my Champion 1500 a few weeks ago and both started on the first pull.

[kirgi08]

Gennys are for needs,not wants.'08.

[wjv]

Gennys are for needs,not wants.'08.

??? :dunno: ???

[emt1581]

??? :dunno: ???

+1

I could see if he reversed them but as is... :dunno:

-Emt1581

[bdcochran]

1. Did you do a google search for "best generator under $500"?

2. I sense that most of the people out here may own a generator. However, they may not be current on ratings of best buys currently on the market. (Hint, I own a Generac 4000 watt that was purchased in 1990 and is in unused condition).

3. It is so difficult to make a recommendation because you haven't specified a usage. So the incoming recommendations might zap your computer, electronics or be insufficient for your needs.

[Devans0]

On a wild, blowing money, spree I splurged on a Honda 2000i. When we were hit with a flood, I went off grid and had power for power tools to fix two family houses when others were waiting months for overpriced contractors to give them some help. That was the best money that I ever spent, saved many thousands of dollars. I don't often recommend expensive, but in this case, do it right. I would like the 3000i if I were to do it again, knowing what i know now.

[kirgi08]

??? :dunno: ???

Bill,In a "situation" a genny is for important things,fridge ect.Not tv/computer.'08.

[wjv]

But it's also nice for running our camper when we go out to the pacific coast. In that case, it is a "want", but not a "need". . .

[sebecman]

I don't often recommend expensive, but in this case, do it right. I would like the 3000i if I were to do it again, knowing what i know now.

yep. Honda for the win.

[ric0123]

The HF unit actually gets really good reviews on the ham forum. People that have hooked it up to O Scopes see a very clean AC sine wave come out of it. From what I've read, replace the spark plug, check for metal in the fuel line and you're set. I'm shocked as everyone else, but if you read forums of people that have them, its rare you'll see something negative said about them

[beatcop]

In vehicle? Need to establish use. If it's associated with a running vehicle, get an inverter. If the economy and wear of running a vehicle isn't appropriate, grab a small honda.

[wrenrj1]

2. I sense that most of the people out here may own a generator. However, they may not be current on ratings of best buys currently on the market. (Hint, I own a Generac 4000 watt that was purchased in 1990 and is in unused condition).


I have to make sure you saw my post #14 or #15 I believe (wrenrj1). Use your generator regularly. My Generac is at least three years old with less than 10 hrs. I've already bought a new battery last year (rather expensive, I have electric start). The pull cord broke a few weeks ago upon spring testing after no more than 20-30 pulls since purchased (after I realized the battery was dead).

Use it! Work it! Generators need to be exercised.

Wren

[emt1581]

The HF unit actually gets really good reviews on the ham forum. People that have hooked it up to O Scopes see a very clean AC sine wave come out of it. From what I've read, replace the spark plug, check for metal in the fuel line and you're set. I'm shocked as everyone else, but if you read forums of people that have them, its rare you'll see something negative said about them

And this is more what I WAS reading before I asked here.

I think I'm going to pick one up just to try it out. Worse comes to worse, if it can function through a tank of gas I can return it.

But best case is I'll be able to use it as a backup for my hot dog cart and other times when I want something tiny that can give me electricity anywhere.

Thanks

-Emt1581

[wjv]

What brand is "HF"?

Google isn't telling me anything. . .

[emt1581]

What brand is "HF"?

Google isn't telling me anything. . .

HF= Harbor Freight

That and the local restaurant supply place are equally as useful as Cabelas and Wal-Mart.

-Emt1581

[dennis3dflyer]

i guess hf. Is harbor freight company retailer of chinese crap. Ummm. Stuff...

[wjv]

HF= Harbor Freight

That and the local restaurant supply place are equally as useful as Cabelas and Wal-Mart.

-Emt1581

OK!

I think a lot of their stuff is the Chicago Electric brand (China made). But that said, my Champion is also China made and has been a good genny.

[BMH]

Not exactly a generator, but something potentially useful could be the PowerPot: https://www.thepowerpot.com/

It's a small pot that when you boil water, turns the heat into electricity. You could charge a small device like a cell phone, ipad, whatever. More convenient when you're camping, or at home and the power goes out.

[Stevekozak]

And this is more what I WAS reading before I asked here.

I think I'm going to pick one up just to try it out. Worse comes to worse, if it can function through a tank of gas I can return it.

But best case is I'll be able to use it as a backup for my hot dog cart and other times when I want something tiny that can give me electricity anywhere.

Thanks

-Emt1581
You have a hotdog cart?

[emt1581]

You have a hotdog cart?

Yup! :)

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1421351

-Emt1581

[emt1581]

Not exactly a generator, but something potentially useful could be the PowerPot: https://www.thepowerpot.com/

It's a small pot that when you boil water, turns the heat into electricity. You could charge a small device like a cell phone, ipad, whatever. More convenient when you're camping, or at home and the power goes out.

That's really great!! Same concept as the Biostove...a little pricey but cool nonetheless.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

[Stevekozak]

Yup! :)

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1421351

-Emt1581
Well, that is cool!! I wish you much success with your new business!!

[emt1581]

Well, that is cool!! I wish you much success with your new business!!

Thank you thank you!

We're all about S&P here right? Well, I figure how better than survive pre-SHTF than to ALWAYS have at least a part time job. And if I should lose my job for whatever reason, that upgrades to full time.

So...

Weapons....check
Water....check
Income... check

Only problem is that in my town, hot dog carts are taboo and looked upon as crack houses by the bureaucrats. So I had a LOT of hoops to jump through as my thread talks about. But I did it and now, after I get all the accessories hooked up, we shall see how much of a success it is.

As I said in the other thread....rather than become an old man whining about how I could have made my fortune...if nothing more, at least I can say I tried! :)

-Emt1581

[Stevekozak]

Thank you thank you!

We're all about S&P here right? Well, I figure how better than survive pre-SHTF than to ALWAYS have at least a part time job. And if I should lose my job for whatever reason, that upgrades to full time.

So...

Weapons....check
Water....check
Income... check

Only problem is that in my town, hot dog carts are taboo and looked upon as crack houses by the bureaucrats. So I had a LOT of hoops to jump through as my thread talks about. But I did it and now, after I get all the accessories hooked up, we shall see how much of a success it is.

As I said in the other thread....rather than become an old man whining about how I could have made my fortune...if nothing more, at least I can say I tried! :)

-Emt1581
As i learned in Search and Rescue training, Positive Mental Attitude is the number one key to survival. You certainly have that!! I am a huge fan of PMA!

[DoctaGlockta]

Yup! :)

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1421351

-Emt1581

Thanks for the tip on the Vienna Beefs. I used to buy Colemans at Costco but they no longer carry them.

[emt1581]

Thanks for the tip on the Vienna Beefs. I used to buy Colemans at Costco but they no longer carry them.

I actually have to drive an hour and a half to buy them but we'll see if they are worth it. IMO they are the best hot dogs I ever tasted. We'll see if my customers feel the same way.

Thanks

-Emt1581

[wjv]

Yup! :)

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1421351

-Emt1581

Can I get two Brats with kraut and some mustard please?

[emt1581]

Can I get two Brats with kraut and some mustard please?

Big dog and little dog...no Brats ;)

But sure on the rest. Come on over. :wavey:

-Emt1581